T&T has come in for commendation from the head coach of United Arab Emirates Mahdi Ali for their display at the just concluded OSN Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mahdi’s team defeated T&T 7-6 on penalty kicks after both teams battled to the 3-3 regular time draw last Thursday.
The UAE went on to defeat New Zealand 2-0 in Monday’s final to take home the US$50,000 first prize with T&T receiving US$30,000 for finishing third with their 3-1 win over hosts Saudi Arabia.
T&T found their rhythm in the second half against the Emirates and took control of the match with Kevin Molino heading home the third and tying goal in the second minute of added on time after T&T had been trailing 3-0.
“Trinidad (and Tobago) were a tough team for us. They provided us with a really good match and we are happy to have come out winners in the match,” Ali said.
“We started very well but they were strong and they were quick. They punished us for not holding on to the game. Overall I think it was the harder game for us. But the victory for United Arab Emirates is a good one and we’re happy to have won the OSN Cup.”
The UAE team were in training for three weeks for the tournament while T&T had one session the day before the match in Riyadh last week.